Ingredients
Bruschetta Topping
- 12 oz cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/2 red onion, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Pizza
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 1/4 cup shaved parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to bake the pizza to a crispy, golden crust.
- Make the Bruschetta: In a large bowl, combine the quartered cherry tomatoes, minced red onion, minced garlic, torn fresh basil, kosher salt, black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Mix gently to coat the ingredients evenly and develop the fresh bruschetta flavor.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a clean surface to your desired thickness and shape. Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a piece of parchment paper placed on a baking sheet. Drizzle the dough with the remaining 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and spread it lightly to cover the surface.
- Add Cheese: Scatter the mozzarella cheese evenly over the pizza dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges to create a crust.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the baking sheet with the assembled pizza into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the mozzarella cheese is melted and slightly browned in spots, indicating a perfect cheesy texture.
- Top the Pizza: Remove the pizza from the oven. Using a slotted spoon or spatula, scatter the tomato bruschetta mixture evenly over the pizza, leaving behind any excess liquid in the bowl to avoid sogginess. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top and finish with a sprinkle of shaved parmesan cheese for a rich, tangy finishing touch.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, you can pre-bake the pizza dough for 5-7 minutes before adding the cheese.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the bruschetta mixture.
- Use fresh mozzarella for the best melty texture and flavor.
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing to allow toppings to set.
- The balsamic glaze can be substituted with a simple balsamic reduction if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian